The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-04-21
CAPT. ANpREwss REMAINS.
The Remains OF the Leader OF the Mitchell Raiders
Pound After n Search OF Ten Years.
INf.u.nfr unI1


On Monday afternoon last Maj. Z. b. kirke,
A. q. NJ, u. s. A; DIR. c. J.. Wilson, Presi-
dent of the National Surgical Institute, and
Mr.. Fred ]. Cooke, resident manager OF
the American Press Association, wended their
way out Peachtree street, bent upon a mission
which was 20 prove the sequel of tragic event
that occurred just quarter Of a century ago.
| Turning TO the right along Ponce de Leon ave-
nue., about one and one-half miles north OF the
Union depot, and again 10 the left and north up
Juniper street leading from the front OF Mr..
/ Ed. Peterss residence they continued few
rods until they came 20 a narrow, unused cross
street which led to the left Just at the en-
trance OF this narrow street, on the right side,
they commenced digging, under the instruc-
tions of Mr.. John IL. Mashburn, an old resident,
and worked steadily for two hours, making an
irregular excavation about ten feet long, four
feet wide, and three feet deep.
The results Of their research were laid care
| fully on one side as they were found. They
consisted of a portion Of the leg, foot, arm and
rib bones Of human body, aud no more OF
them could he found. These were the mortal
remains of Capt j. j. Andrews, the intrepid
/ leader Of as brave and gallant band OF men
as ever worethe blue or gray, known in history
/ as the Mitchell Raiders, Bridge Burners"
or Engine Thieves" The thrilling adyen-
lures aud final capture Of these men on the
/ Western and Atlantic Railroad on the 18th of
! April, sounds like a romance in these sober
days, and is familiar TO every household, both
] North and South.
Andrews ESCAPED from prison at Chattanooga
on Sunday, the % of June, but was recaptured
on the next day, and having been condemned
! as a spy by a eourt-martial and sentenced 10 be
hung he was brought 10 Atlanta for that pur-
pose on the evening of June s. He was carried
out Peachtree road, followed by large crowd
TO the gallows, which had been erected in the
ravine within few rods Of where has remains
were found.
Capt. Andrews bore the trying ordeal like a
true soldier, awaling feelings of admiration
and regret in the minds Of the men upon whom
involved the unpleasant duty of carrying out
| his sentence, and after the three clergymen
had grasped his hand in a last farewell, he was
launched into eternity. Before his death, he
gave his watch and chain rs a keepsake to one
who had shown him especial acts OF kindness.
After life had become extinct he was buried
on the side hill, near the spot where be was
executed.
Capt. J. J. Andrews was a native Of Hancock
County, Va; born in 1929, and reared by pious
Presbyterian parents, who removed, when he
was still young man, TO Southwestern Mis-
souri,. A large portion of his life had been
spent in Fleming County, XIV. At the break
ing out of the war he sympathized with the
| Union cause, and rendered il signal service as
a scout record of his career, if it could be
obtained, would prove to be one Of the most
| interesting personal histories of the war. lie
had no family. but was engaged 10 be married,
and the ceremony was 10 have occurred about
the date OF his death.
His remains are said 10 have been exhumed
day OF two after they were first buried, for
| the purpose of securing his clothing. and imme-
diately reinterred. From the fact that the
skull bone and other bones are missing, il is
supposed that they must have been afterward
disturbed. The place OF his interment has al
ways been known TO a family living in the
vicinity, and the sad story has often been told
to the children Who visited the spot and tried
TO realize from the fate of poor Andrews, the
dread realities of the terrible strife. A farther
and more extended search is soon to be made
for the balance of the remains. The portion
which has been secured has been placed in the
temporary charge of DIR. Wilson, at the Surgi.
cal Institute. They are to be sent to Chat
tanouga TO be buried in the National Cemetery
beside those Of the seven other unfortunate
members OF his band who were hung at what is
now portion OF Oakland Cemetery, June Is
1862. and funds are TO be raised for the erection
Of suitable monument th0Fe.
For the past 10 years repeated efforts have
been made 10 find the remains Of Capt. An
drews aud much time has been expended by
survivors of the expedition and others in vain
and il was generally supposed that on account
or the grading OF new streets, etc, the exact
location of the grave would never lie ascer
tanned. The portion Of the remains that hav,
been found are identified beyond dispute and
the success which has crowned the recent effort,
is due 10 Sheriff Thomas Deputy Greene, Mr.
j. ii. Mashburne and Others Maj. Kirke re
ceived orders from the Secretary of War las
November 10 secure Capt. Andrews's remains !
possible, and he will have charge of their re
interment at the National Cemetery in Chat